Single mother needs gifts for three children

Without donations to Toybox, the holidays won't be as bright and cheery as they could for some Cape Girardeau children. Families in need have turned to Toybox, a program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and Southeast Missourian for help buying holiday gifts.

The program offers toys and games to children up to age 12. Many of the families are struggling to keep their rent and utilities paid, let alone purchase extras at Christmas. A single mother of three has asked for gifts for her children: Brittany, 8, Brandon, 7, and Amanda, 6.

Brittany wants a teddy bear, Leap Frog games for grade levels 3 to 5, a Hello Kitty alarm clock, makeup and Scooby-Doo accessories.

Brandon wants Spider-Man walkie talkies, a skateboard, drum set, punching bag, WWF toys, Lincoln Logs and remote-controlled cars.

Amanda also wants a teddy bear, a Scooby-Doo doll, and makeup like her sister. She also wants some Mary Kate and Ashley dolls and a Candyland game.

Donations of new, unused toys are being collected at Southeast Missourian offices in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, AAA Travel Agency, First National Bank, First Missouri State Bank, Bank of America, Sanders True Value, Bank of Missouri, Capaha Bank, Cingular Wireless, Union Planters Bank, Alliance Bank, Toys R Us, Commerce Bank, Westfield Shoppingtown West Park, U.S. Bank and Wehrenberg Theatres.

Applications for the Toybox program are being accepted through Friday at the Salvation Army office, 701 Good Hope. Applicants must provide a Social Security number for each child listed and proof of residence. Applications are accepted between 10 a.m. and noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to Toybox Trust at P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.